Advice on buying a hatchback

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sl1m

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I've only ever owned a classic mini which I've had since uni - which I love - but unfortunately the maintenance costs are becoming untenable.

My budget is quite flexible, I'm mainly concerned about getting a reliable car, still under service warranty, reasonable to insure, not too high depreciation, etc. - i.e. minimizing long term costs. I don't really care about special features, if it has a radio with an aux port that'll do.

What would you all recommend with respect to a model, year, mileage, and new vs used? Is there anything I should look out for? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
 
Flexible budget can mean meany things. Give an approximate value or range for better advice. Generally you can’t go wrong with the Japs or Koreans with a normally aspirated engine (i10/i20/ almost any Toyota hatch/Mazda2/Picanto/Rio: etc etc)
 
I support the above post, get yourself something with a good safety spec, can't compromise on safety with so many reckless drivers around.

I would eliminate the Hyundai i20 for it's lack of safety gear, at it's price it is a rip off compared to what the competition offers, a top spec car that cost R320k with only two airbags is just not good enough.

The Honda Jazz is an acquired taste but it is the leader when it comes to safety, all models comes with 6 airbags as well as all the safety features you can think of as standard.

The Suzuki Baleno or the Toyota equivalent is also not a bad idea, it does not offer much but that is reflected in the price.
 
sl1m said:
I've only ever owned a classic mini which I've had since uni - which I love - but unfortunately the maintenance costs are becoming untenable.

My budget is quite flexible, I'm mainly concerned about getting a reliable car, still under service warranty, reasonable to insure, not too high depreciation, etc. - i.e. minimizing long term costs. I don't really care about special features, if it has a radio with an aux port that'll do.

What would you all recommend with respect to a model, year, mileage, and new vs used? Is there anything I should look out for? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
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How much do you spend on maintenance per month on the mini?
Regardless, I would recommend a Honda Jazz or a Toyota Etios/Yaris. Both can be bought for under R100k for a decent one.
 
Honda jazz sport
Mazda 2 or CX3

Do you want a hatch specifically?
 
Nemus said:
How much do you spend on maintenance per month on the mini?
Regardless, I would recommend a Honda Jazz or a Toyota Etios/Yaris. Both can be bought for under R100k for a decent one.
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At the moment it probably averages about R26k a year, so maybe ~R2100 p/m? Its basically uninsurable as well - its more of a weekend car than a day-to-day driver.
I was looking at 1-2 year old i20 or ford figo initially, seems like price range is between 130k and 200k. I'm willing to finance that much, though if a cheaper car needs little maintenance that will of course be even more preferable. I'd rather get a R150k car that runs cheap maintenance and petrol wise and which I can sell closer to what I paid for it then a R80k car which breaks down and depreciates rapidly.
I'll look into the Yaris, Etios and Jazz - thanks.

bromster said:
Honda jazz sport
Mazda 2 or CX3

Do you want a hatch specifically?
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I'll look into those thanks. I am looking for a hatch specifically yes - driving my sister's Yaris already feels like a 4x4 to me compared to my mini, so smaller is better :D
 
sl1m said:
At the moment it probably averages about R26k a year, so maybe ~R2100 p/m? Its basically uninsurable as well - its more of a weekend car than a day-to-day driver.
I was looking at 1-2 year old i20 or ford figo initially, seems like price range is between 130k and 200k. I'm willing to finance that much, though if a cheaper car needs little maintenance that will of course be even more preferable. I'd rather get a R150k car that runs cheap maintenance and petrol wise and which I can sell closer to what I paid for it then a R80k car which breaks down and depreciates rapidly.
I'll look into the Yaris, Etios and Jazz - thanks.


I'll look into those thanks. I am looking for a hatch specifically yes - driving my sister's Yaris already feels like a 4x4 to me compared to my mini, so smaller is better :D
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You can also look at a Peugeot 208 - Peugeot 208 for Sale (New and Used) - Cars.co.za
The 2019 and later models come with a 5 year/100 000 km Warranty and Service plan.

Not sure which province you from so I can't choose a specific ad to link here.
 
Binary Bark said:
If you buy any of those two, you will be shunned and no one will give you way on the road, because no one wants to look at those things
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if you want ugly, buy a Fiat multipla,
I think any of those I mentioned dont look to bad, and anyway looks are subjective,
I like them, you cant stand them, I get it,


any anyway OP wants a car, there are some options,
 
sl1m said:
At the moment it probably averages about R26k a year, so maybe ~R2100 p/m? Its basically uninsurable as well - its more of a weekend car than a day-to-day driver.
I was looking at 1-2 year old i20 or ford figo initially, seems like price range is between 130k and 200k. I'm willing to finance that much, though if a cheaper car needs little maintenance that will of course be even more preferable. I'd rather get a R150k car that runs cheap maintenance and petrol wise and which I can sell closer to what I paid for it then a R80k car which breaks down and depreciates rapidly.
I'll look into the Yaris, Etios and Jazz - thanks.


I'll look into those thanks. I am looking for a hatch specifically yes - driving my sister's Yaris already feels like a 4x4 to me compared to my mini, so smaller is better :D
Click to expand...
At that price you're looking at a basically brand new Opel Corsa too, if that floats your boat.

I have a 2020 Corsa and I think it's fantastic. Has loads of safety features, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, decent warranty (though you can do better with other brands).
 
epah said:
No budget so i will go with Mercedes A45 amg s, or if you are looking for something a bit cheaper get the M140i.
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so i you saying to you a spoilt snot nosed 20 year old ? Cause thats the only people i see driving these cars.
 
sl1m said:
At the moment it probably averages about R26k a year, so maybe ~R2100 p/m? Its basically uninsurable as well - its more of a weekend car than a day-to-day driver.
I was looking at 1-2 year old i20 or ford figo initially, seems like price range is between 130k and 200k. I'm willing to finance that much, though if a cheaper car needs little maintenance that will of course be even more preferable. I'd rather get a R150k car that runs cheap maintenance and petrol wise and which I can sell closer to what I paid for it then a R80k car which breaks down and depreciates rapidly.
I'll look into the Yaris, Etios and Jazz - thanks.


I'll look into those thanks. I am looking for a hatch specifically yes - driving my sister's Yaris already feels like a 4x4 to me compared to my mini, so smaller is better :D
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I forbid you to look anywhere in the general direction of the Etios.
 
Thanks for the recommendations all

Can I ask - what do you think about:
A) Ford Figo
B) Suzuki Swift
 
Just got myself a A220 CDI and wow its a great car drove to the vaal on the weekend and got 5.1L/100km if i went on to Parys i think maybe 4.8 would have been achieved. Had a Focus ST current shape ie 2.0 Ecoboost before that and the best i could get was 7.1L/100KM if i was driving super nice at 100KPH
Bought mine at webuycars with 40000 KM super deal and still in motor plan

Girlfriend drives a Ford Figo TDCI i think and wow that is also a great little nippy car something you get for around R 80K with no issues at all etc and maybe 50-70K on the clock think thats what i got hers for
 
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